COLUMBUS, OH -- Overnight visitors to Ohio State Park cottages cannow reserve their favorite cottage up to a year in advance by logging ontoohiostateparks.org, as the final phase of Ohio's new online reservationsystem goes active at 7 a.m. on Monday, February 16. The online reservation system for campgrounds was activated onDecember 15. Making state park reservations available via the Internet ispart of Governor Bob Taft's e-commerce initiative for Ohio state government."This expanding Internet-based reservation system makes it easierthan ever for Ohioans and out-of-state visitors to enjoy our wonderful stateparks," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "Computer users are just akeystroke away from planning their next outdoor adventure at an Ohio StatePark cottage or campsite."Through the Internet, individuals can make reservations 24hours a day, seven days a week for more than 500 cottages in 16 parks, aswell as 57 state park family campgrounds and getaway rentals. The new online service includes a non-refundable $8 reservation fee.Cottage reservations require a deposit equal to the first night's stay.Cottage cancellations made at least 30 days in advance will receive a fullrefund of that deposit. Golden Buckeye and Passport America discounts remainvalid under the new cottage reservation system. Payment can be made viaMasterCard, Visa, Discover Card and American Express credit cards, or debitcards with the Visa or MasterCard logo.Phone reservations for both cottages and campsites can be madebetween 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. Callers should dial toll-free1-866-OHIOPARKS (644-6727) to reserve cottages at Mohican State Park inAshland County, Buck Creek State Park in Clark County, Cowan Lake State Parkin Clinton County, Dillon State Park in Muskingum County, Hocking HillsState Park in Hocking County, Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County, MohicanState Park in Ashland County, Pike Lake State Park in Pike County andPymatuning State Park in Ashtabula County. Phone reservations for both cottages and resort lodges at ShawneeState Park in Scioto County, Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County, HuestonWoods State Park in Preble County, Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County,Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County and Punderson State Park in GeaugaCounty remain available through 1-800-AT-A-PARK.Reservations for the cottages and resort lodge at Deer CreekState Park in Pickaway County are available by calling 1-877-678-DEER. All Ohio State Park cottages are fully furnished, including bedding,towels and cooking utensils. Many feature wood or gas-burning fireplaces,hot tubs, cable television and other amenities. Overnight fees vary frompark to park, but generally range from $70 to $110 per night.